Feb 20 • 15:55 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Incredible - scammers looped a billionaire around their finger: gave away not just money

A billionaire was duped by scammers posing as officials regarding a fake incident involving his daughter, resulting in significant financial loss and the giving away of personal valuables.

In a shocking incident reported by Lithuanian media, a billionaire in North Rhine-Westphalia fell prey to a sophisticated scam that saw him convinced that his daughter was involved in a fatal car accident. The scammers, posing as law enforcement and officials, claimed that the accident involved the daughter of a Serbian diplomat, instilling panic in the victim. They demanded financial compensation to appease the supposed diplomat, leading the billionaire to comply under duress.

The local police have refrained from disclosing the exact amount lost but characterized the total damages as 'very significant.' The scammers managed to acquire valuable items including jewelry, cash, and gold through two separate handover situations, which has led to an ongoing investigation by the criminal police. The authorities have established a dedicated investigative committee to address the incident and ensure better communication with the victim and his family.

This case highlights the increasing sophistication of scams that target high-net-worth individuals, often resulting in severe emotional and financial repercussions. Experts advise individuals, especially those in positions of financial prominence, to remain vigilant against such scams, emphasizing the need for awareness and prudent verification of any suspicious claims before compliance. Such events not only impact the victims but can also lead to broader implications for societal trust in communications from authorities and professionals.

📡 Similar Coverage